Becoming a Mold Inspector

Becoming a mold inspector is much like getting started in any industry. You need to learn the business inside and out to stand the best chance of getting ahead. And while you may be hesitant to invest all that time and effort, consider the direct line between what you learn today and how much you earn tomorrow. When you become a bona fide expert in your mold removal, you won’t be able to stop the phone from ringing with countless customers who are all counting on you.

 Knowledge Is Power

Mold inspectors have to be certified in their industry, so the first step is getting a quality education. There are no prerequisites when it comes to taking these classes. You’ll have an advantage if you’ve worked in construction before, but it’s not a requirement to get started.

During these classes, you’ll learn more about what causes mold, why it forms, and how it spreads. You’ll learn about how infestations present and how to find colonies that may be buried deep in the walls of a home or under the linoleum of an office kitchen. You’ll also get a better idea of what kind of equipment is available, and how it’s used to root out mold and vanquish the substance for good.

Training will open your eyes to the dangers and the immediacy of mold. You’ll see how the microbes multiply and spread to cover large surfaces in short periods of time. You'll discover what it takes to kill the existing bacteria and how to implement safeguards to prevent its return. Mold remediation classes are also a great way for entrepreneurs to set the foundation for their business. It's here that you'll apply your newfound knowledge to your external circumstances.

So let’s say you’re hesitant to serve an up-and-coming territory because most of the buildings are new construction. Training will teach you more about how new construction isn’t immune to mold. In fact, because deadlines are often rushed, mold can be common in new buildings because the water doesn't have a chance to dry out completely.

Specialization in Mold Remediation

Like most businesses, mold remediation offers you the chance to specialize in a specific field. There are over 100,000 species of mold in the world — too many to become an expert in all of them. From acremonium to yeast, each mold behaves differently. Each one requires a different approach to vanquish. The average property owner can't identify a mold just by looking at it or even by doing some amateur search engine research.

Real mold remediation begins with identifying the type of mold and the extent of the damage. Those who specialize in certain types of mold have an advantage because they can hone their methods of specific species removal. If you choose to specialize, you'll become increasingly more efficient and accurate in your specialty. Your expertise will give you an advantage and eventually allow you to charge a premium for your services.

What you choose to specialize in will depend on everything from the average age of the buildings to the amount of humidity your area receives. As you learn the general knowledge of your industry, you can use more specific area data to help you decide which specialty will best appeal to your target demographic.

Advancement and Continuing Education

Once you’re finished with your mold training and you pass the final exam, you’ll receive the designation of Certified Mold Inspector (CMI). Earning this title means you have the expertise to identify mold before implementing a remediation plan.

However, because mold species evolve over time and because weather patterns can change in a heartbeat, you’re required to take additional classes each year to maintain your title.

Taking additional classes allows you to see how microbial patterns are shifting in your area and gives you a heads up as to the new technology in your industry. Every year, mold remediation machinery becomes more advanced and more accurate. This can be a strong selling point for both new and existing clients alike.

At first, it may seem like becoming a mold inspector will be too time-consuming to fit into your busy schedule. But the reality is that these classes are designed to give you a baseline understanding of how mold begins, the damage it can do, and how to effectively get rid of it. Once you have the basics down, you can start building on top of the foundation to bring your career to new heights.

Call (877) 800-2382 today or request more information and learn more about franchise ownership with an industry-leading restoration franchise. One of our franchise licensing advisors will be happy to answer any questions you have and assist you with evaluating whether franchise ownership is right for you.